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Topic: Coupla questions on new G5 Deluxe (Read 2513 times)

Hi All - not a Bullett owner yet, but hope to be soon. Current rides are '09 Triumph T-100 and an '09 Guzzi V7 Classic. I guess I really prefer the 'classic' style of motorcycles.

I've been drawn to the Bullet 500 for some years now, but the only ride I ever had on one was about 10 years ago, the bike was hard to start, shifted poorly and almost had no brakes. No doubt most of this was due to poor set-up, (semi interested Honda dealer), but needless to say, I was not too impressed.

Now the new Bullets are here, with fuel injection, good brakes, and are just as handsome as the older ones. I prefer the G-5 for a couple of reasons; the full size 19" wheels and taller tires, full fenders, and the neat chrome/black paint scheme. The smaller wheels and tires with modern tread design of the C-5 just don't look right to me.

My questions 1) Can the 'hot dog' shaped bins and side covers be swapped for the more traditional looking triangular boxes of the C-5? 2). Can the dual seat of the G-5 be easily replaced with a solo seat with the springs, ala C-5? I've read somewhere the two bikes have different frames so I wonder. Oh, I also prefer the G-5 because it retains the kicker!Thanks for any advice/replies!

Hi Foggy!Get yourself a G5 - you won´t regret it. On my way to RE I tested the Guzzi too, the decision was close. At the end the large number of aftermarket parts available was decisive. I thought, if anything doesn´t fit my personal taste I could alter it - only to recognize that the original state is very, very usuable and so it was not at all urgent to tinker.You can alter the side covers (including the "sausage boxes"), but it´s a bit laborious. Some owners of the pre-unit Electra did do it, maybe you could find some hints in the forum´s classic section - the old Electra is very similar. You should have basic knowledge in electrics though, it´s necessary to rearrange some fuses.However it is no problem at all to change the bench into a single seat - plenty of versions and qualities are available. But, as Will mentioned above, the cheaper variations demand more work, sometimes.So get a test ride - after that I´m pretty sure your done

« Last Edit: November 18, 2010, 10:06:27 PM by Maturin »

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2010 G5A Garage without a Bullet is a empty, barren hole.

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As to the solo seat, just be ware that the G5 has a different sub frame to the C5. When you you remove the bench/dual seat and replace with the solo seat you will be left with part of the subframe exposed a top the rear fender. You could cover it with a luggae rack or something but i would rather remove it.

You will also need some mounting points for the seat springs which can be easily resolved with brackets (not sure if they come with most solo seats as the dealer looked after mine) that attach between the top of the rear shock and frame under rear of seat.

I had the solo seat installed at purchase a couple of months ago and still contemplating the best way to eliminate the rear subframe. Seems to be a few ideas around, rear fender struts being the most common. Seeing as though I don't have the facilities (inner city dweller) and my dealer doesnt do any real modification work im still trying to decide best way forward.

PS: im in the land down under and im not blessed with a thousand and one great bike shops to do the modifications for me.

Gonna dive in here myself as I can't really decide which of the two I like the best, either. I guess one thing I do prefer about the C5 is the look of the engine casings. The G model just looks, I don't know, plainer, I guess. And like the OP, the sausage boxes, as you call them lack visual appeal to me also. I think the flat black suggestion sounds like a practical fix.

I do, however, prefer the bench seat, something comparatively rare on current bikes but more like what I'm used to. Have you guys looked at the barely padded things they put on sportbikes these days? My bicycles have better seats!

Somebody weigh in about how well the kicker works. And whether there's a compression release. My aging right leg votes for electric start but it's always good to have a backup.

Somebody weigh in about how well the kicker works. And whether there's a compression release. My aging right leg votes for electric start but it's always good to have a backup.

@Land Surveyor:

G5 is a dual start bike - it has both kick and electric start and both work fine. You may choose to kick or rest your leg. It does not have a manual compression release lever - it has an auto decompressor set up.

Even better. Most of my time was spent with 2-strokes which weren't too bad but I have dueled with a few old cranky big-bore 4-strokes. They did not like waking up in the morning.

Coulda been much worse. I hear the all-time champion leg-killer was the old Sportsters with magnetos and something about a Linkert-made carburetor.

I just assume the UCE runs at pretty high compression so was expecting something pretty potent. I guess the "cool" thing to do would be to use the electric start in the morning and the kickstarter after it's warmed up to show off.

It must be our time frames that get stuck in our heads. I want to like the C-model the best but keep being drawn to the G-model. My "time" was the mid 70s, I guess. Can't seem to find a comfortable spot to alight among all of the modern, overly-specialized bikes. As suggested, I will have to reserve judgment until I can at least sit on one.

Both C5 and G5 are retro, but the G5 is just too modern looking for me.

Since the C5's 1951 design and my birthyear are the same, it is a no-brainer that it is the vastly superior design!!

All seriousness aside, I like the G5 Classic (chrome-a-thon) look except for those hot dog bun warmers. The C5's functionality makes more sense to me. I do prefer the seating comfort more on the solo seat, too.